NAROWAL: The Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, participating in the 487th death anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, lodged a strong protest against India’s closure of the Kartarpur Corridor.

The pilgrims stated that by closing the Kartarpur Corridor, India was depriving the Sikh community of its religious freedom.

The pilgrims demanded that the Indian government immediately reopen the corridor.

They were speaking at the three-day celebrations on the death anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak that concluded at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in tehsil Shakargarh on Tuesday.

A large number of Sikh pilgrims, including men, women, and children, arrived in Kartarpur from Pakistan and across the globe to participate in the festivities. The Sikh pilgrims performed their religious rituals and paid their respects at the Samadhi within the Gurdwara Complex. They laid a chadar at the Samadhi and performed religious rites.

The pilgrims participated in the Nagar Kirtan procession and performed religious rituals at the Pakistan-India Zero Line. The pilgrims visited the sacred well and drank water from it. They also visited various other sites, including the library, the museum, and Khet Sahib.

The visitors were welcomed by Project Management Unit (PMU) Kartarpur Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora (provincial minister for minority affairs), Sardar Inderjit Singh (Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee), and representatives from various government departments. During the three-day festivities, Sikh pilgrims were served meals, fruit, beverages, and tea in Baba Guru Nanak’s Langar hall.

Sardar Gobind Singh, the head Gyani of gurdwara, performed the concluding religious rituals on the third day. In the closing ceremony, he offered special prayers for Pakistan’s security, peace, and communal harmony. The Kartarpur Project Management Unit presented “Saropa Sahib” (traditional ceremonial scarves) and commemorative gifts to the leaders and guests among the Sikh pilgrims.

Entry of unauthorised persons into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur was prohibited during the three-day celebrations. CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the events taking place. At the conclusion of the three-day festivities, the Sikh pilgrims returned to their homes.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2026